Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that can make everyday activities like walking the dog, exercising or spending long hours on your feet uncomfortable. For people experiencing plantar fasciitis, the pain is often worst first thing in the morning, with those initial steps out of bed feeling particularly sharp.
At Altona Acupuncture, we offer individualised acupuncture treatments for persistent heel pain. Our approach combines traditional Chinese medicine with musculoskeletal acupuncture techniques to help relieve discomfort, reduce muscle tension and improve mobility. Whether your plantar fasciitis is a recent problem or something you’ve been struggling with for months, we tailor treatment to your symptoms and individual needs.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp or stabbing pain underneath the heel, particularly when taking your first steps in the morning
- Heel pain after sitting or resting for extended periods
- Pain that eases as you start moving but returns after prolonged standing or walking
- Tenderness around the underside of the heel, sometimes extending into the arch of the foot
- Increased discomfort when walking barefoot, particularly on hard surfaces
- Difficulty walking comfortably or placing full weight through the affected heel
To learn more about Plantar Fasciitis click here to read the related blog post
How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Help
At Altona Acupuncture, we use a combination of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine techniques to help relieve heel pain, reduce muscle tension and improve mobility.
Treatment may include acupuncture and trigger point needling to target tight muscles in the feet and calves, helping to reduce pain and improve movement. We may also use cupping or gua sha to stimulate local blood flow and release muscular tension, while moxibustion (moxa) provides gentle warmth to help ease stiffness and discomfort.
Each treatment is tailored to your symptoms, using a combination of techniques where appropriate to help you get back on your feet comfortably.
Who Is This Treatment Suitable For?
Acupuncture may be suitable for people experiencing recent or longstanding plantar fasciitis, particularly when heel pain is affecting walking, exercise or everyday activities.
Whether your symptoms have developed from running, prolonged standing or repetitive strain, treatment can be adapted to your level of discomfort and mobility. Acupuncture may also be used alongside physiotherapy, podiatry or other treatments to help manage persistent heel pain.
What to Expect from Treatment
Your first appointment includes a discussion of your heel pain, how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms and what activities make them worse. We’ll assess the affected area and surrounding muscles before deciding on the most appropriate treatment.
Depending on your symptoms, we may use acupuncture, trigger point needling, cupping, gua sha or moxa. Treatment is tailored to your comfort, and we’ll monitor your progress over subsequent appointments to see how you’re responding.
Evidence and Research
Research suggests that acupuncture may help reduce heel pain and improve foot function in people experiencing plantar fasciitis.
1. Acupuncture for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis (2026)
A clinical trial involving 120 participants found that 56.7% of people receiving acupuncture experienced at least a 50% reduction in heel pain after four weeks, compared with 33.3% of those who did not receive treatment.
2. Acupuncture Compared with Other Plantar Fasciitis Treatments (2024)
A review comparing acupuncture with other non-surgical treatments found that acupuncture provided significant improvements in heel pain compared with placebo after one month.
3. Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis (2024)
A review of 12 clinical trials involving 781 participants found that adding dry needling to conventional treatment helped reduce heel pain and improve foot function. This research is particularly relevant to the use of acupuncture needles to treat muscular trigger points in the feet and calves.
While further research is needed to understand the long-term benefits, these studies suggest that acupuncture and trigger point needling may be useful additions to plantar fasciitis treatment.
Why Choose Us
Our experienced, AHPRA-registered practitioners combine traditional Chinese medicine with modern musculoskeletal acupuncture techniques to provide personalised treatment for plantar fasciitis.
We take a hands-on approach, using acupuncture, trigger point needling, cupping, gua sha and moxa where appropriate. With a focus on relieving pain and improving mobility, we tailor each treatment to your symptoms and how your body responds.
Conveniently located in Harrington Square, Altona, right next to Westona Station, our clinic provides a welcoming, professional environment for your care.
FAQs
The number of sessions required will vary depending on the duration and severity of your symptoms. Some people experience improvements within the first few appointments, while more persistent cases may benefit from ongoing treatment. We’ll assess your response along the way and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Yes, acupuncture may help relieve pain associated with long-standing plantar fasciitis, even when symptoms have persisted for several months. Treatment can focus on reducing discomfort and addressing muscle tightness in the feet and lower legs. For more persistent cases, acupuncture may be combined with other approaches, such as strengthening exercises and changes to footwear, to support recovery.
Yes, acupuncture can be used alongside podiatry treatment for plantar fasciitis. While your podiatrist may focus on footwear, orthotics and foot mechanics, acupuncture can help manage pain and muscle tension. Combining these approaches may provide additional support for your recovery.
How We Approach Plantar Fasciitis at Altona Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Professional acupuncture treatments in Altona, inner west Melbourne. Tailored sessions for pain, fertility, stress and general wellbeing. Book your initial consultation today.
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Cupping Therapy
Traditional cupping therapy in Altona, Melbourne. Glass cup treatments for muscle tension, back and neck pain, headaches and recovery. Part of your acupuncture session.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine
Customised Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions in Altona, Melbourne. Experienced TCM practitioners treating hormonal, digestive, fertility and pain conditions. Book a consultation.
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Moxibustion
Moxibustion therapy in Altona, inner west Melbourne. Traditional moxa treatment for pain, fatigue, menstrual concerns, breech presentation and digestive weakness.
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